Weekly Newsletter

There’s no natural (or pharmaceutical) cure yet for eczema, the pesky skin problem that tends to run in families and affects more than 15 million Americans of all ages. But don’t despair. These home remedies are considered generally safe and may be worth adding to your doctor’s recommended treatment plan, according to the American Academy of Dermatology:

Take it easy. Stress has been shown to be a factor in eczema. Don’t skimp on sleep, pace yourself, and make a point of thinking calm thoughts.

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Try probiotics (live bacteria). Data from Europe are promising, but the best blend and dose is still being tested. Two probiotic strains (Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium) are commonly used in eczema studies.

Sip green, black, or oolong tea. In one study, 74 of 118 patients noticed that symptoms improved within one month of drinking 11 ounces of oolong tea three times daily after meals.

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